Pennsylvania College of Art and Design

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The Pennsylvania College of Art & Design
Type Private art and design college
Established1982
President Andrew Barnes, Ph.D., M.F.A.
Administrative staff
49
Students420
Location
Lancaster
,
Pennsylvania
,
United States
MascotPeacocks
Website pcad.edu/
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design

Pennsylvania College of Art & Design (PCA&D or PCAD) is a private art and design college located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States. The college offers Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Arts (BA), Associate of Fine Arts (AFA), and Associate of Arts (AA) degrees, as well as minors, certificate programs, and continuing education opportunities. [1]

Contents

History

PCA&D traces its origins to the former York Academy of Arts, which closed in 1982. That year, faculty and community members established the Pennsylvania School of the Arts (PSA) in Marietta, Pennsylvania, offering diploma programs in fine art, interior design, and communication arts.

In 1984, PSA was accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). [2] The school moved to Lancaster in 1987, adopting the name Pennsylvania School of Art & Design (PSAD).

In 1999, the Pennsylvania Department of Education authorized the institution to grant degrees, and in 2001 PSAD secured its permanent campus at 204 North Prince Street, Lancaster. In 2003, the school was granted final approval as a four-year college and renamed Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. [1]

Campus

The main campus is located at 204 North Prince Street in downtown Lancaster, within the city’s arts district. The college is surrounded by galleries, theaters, and cultural organizations. [1]

PCA&D also partners with the Academy of Live Technology at Rock Lititz in Lititz, Pennsylvania, for its Live Experience Design & Production program, giving students access to professional event production and performance facilities. [3]

Academics

PCA&D offers several undergraduate and certificate programs: [4]

All first-year students complete a Foundation Year curriculum in drawing, design, and liberal arts before declaring a major. Approximately one-third of all coursework is in liberal arts, supporting the professional and studio training. [4]

Accreditation

The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Its accreditation was reaffirmed in 2023. [5]

Student Life

In addition to degree programs, PCA&D offers youth classes, pre-college programs, and adult continuing education through its Center for Creative Exploration. [1] The annual Senior Show serves as the capstone for graduating students, with campus-wide exhibitions of student work. [6]

Rankings and Recognition

According to Niche.com, PCA&D has been ranked among the top colleges for design in the United States. [7]

See also

References

40°02′28″N76°18′31″W / 40.0412°N 76.3087°W / 40.0412; -76.3087

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  1. 1 2 3 4 "Pennsylvania College of Art & Design". Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
  2. ↑ "NASAD Directory of Accredited Institutions". NASAD. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
  3. ↑ "Live Experience Design & Production". PCA&D. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
  4. 1 2 "Undergraduate Programs". PCA&D. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
  5. ↑ "Pennsylvania College of Art and Design". MSCHE. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
  6. ↑ "Fine Art at PCA&D". PCA&D. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
  7. ↑ "PCA&D Profile". Niche. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
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